Best way to prep a head before painting question

smittykid

smittykid

Senior Member
I just purchased a high compression head from Snyder's(5.5:1). The short block is being shipped out to the folks in Skokie, Il. They will paint the block out there. I checked with them about the paint they use and it's the same stuff that Snyder's sells. So I need to prep & paint the head before I get the engine block back. I think I know what to do regarding the prep & painting, but I wanted to get some expert opinions first. Thanks, Smitty
 
what i do is liberally wash with acetone, need to wash instead of wipe as cast iron is pourous and will trap oils unless its washed out.

then thouroughly dry(leave in the sun for awhile)

then find a piece of stiff board to lay it on, screw in 4 old spark plugs part way (1-2 threads)

then paint in several light coats

if it seeps under and probably will get on the water pump and outlet gasket surfaces a wire brush wheel will clean them right up after the paint is dry. dont forget to paint the upper water neck at the same time :P
 
Wash as above ^^^. Then I taped over the distributor, water pump and water outlet holes. Then let 'er rip... :p:p

I just installed my 5.5 Snyder's the other day. Good luck on your project.


 

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When I install a Model A head I take the time to prep it. First I wash it with lacquer thinner. Next I carefully mask off all the machined surfaces such as the spark plug bosses. the distributor boss, the 14 head bolt bosses. Reason, better grounding of the plugs and distributor. The head bolt bosses, just to keep it clean for a proper torque. It is time consuming, but I always do it.

Tom Endy
 
First make sure its FLAT, then all of the above. Sometimes they are not and you should get it checked/broached. Good luck
 
Ship the head with the block to the engine builder and let them check for surface flatness, paint and install it for you.
 
I do all the above except the masking. Too lazy to mask. Dip a finger in some wheel brg grease, put a thin coat of grease where you do not want paint. Grease will wipe off with excess paint.
Have fun
 
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